- Six shoppers were killed in the Westfield Bondi Junction massacre
- A vigil was held on Bondi Beach before then on Sunday
- Hero police officer Amy Scott was present
The only policewoman to end a mass knife attack by shooting a deranged killer has appeared at a vigil for the massacre’s victims.
Inspector Amy Scott fatally shot 40-year-old Joel Cauchi during his rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction last Saturday, April 13, killing six customers and injuring a dozen others.
On Sunday, she gathered with tearful mourners at a somber candlelight vigil to remember the dead.
Groups of young people were seen crying and holding knitted teddy bears as the somber event began at Dolphin Court on Bondi Beach at 5pm on Sunday.
The state government and Waverley Council organized a candlelight vigil to mourn the lives lost in the attack that shocked the nation.
Inspector Amy Scott (left) gathered with tearful mourners at a somber candlelight vigil in memory of those killed at Westfield Bondi Junction last Saturday
Hundreds gathered at Dolphin Court on Bondi Beach on Sunday for a sunset vigil in honor of the victims of the Westfield massacre
Hundreds of people gathered at the sunset vigil and held a minute’s silence in honor of the dead.
Hero police officer Inspector Amy Scott received hugs from her colleagues as she arrived at the vigil for the victims of the attack.
She chased down the lone attacker and shot him before he could injure anyone else.
Large groups of young people were seen hugging and wiping away tears as the vigil got underway.
The Prime Minister is expected to address the crowds who gathered at the beach vigil.
“I think if we can stand together during the tough times, we can send a message that there are far more good people in this city than there are bad actors and evil,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said on Saturday.
“Those who have lost loved ones have unanimously said they can feel the support of the community behind them and know they are not alone.”
Mr Minns said the vigil would be an opportunity to “stand with those who have lost loved ones and to remember those who have lost their lives”.
Among those killed in the attack was security guard Faraz Tahir.
Mr Tahir, who came to Australia after fleeing persecution in Pakistan, was killed while trying to protect shoppers from Cauchi.
“He is a hero not only for us, but for the entire nation,” said Adnan Qadir, national chairman of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association.
Inspector Scott (pictured hugging a vigil visitor) shot knifeman Joel Cauchi during his attack last Saturday
Hero police officer, Inspector Amy Scott (pictured centre), received hugs from her colleagues as she arrived at the vigil for the victims of the attack
Sunday’s vigil, organized by the state government and Waverley Council, was attended by hundreds of mourners
“We are here in large numbers to continue the legacy of Faraz by reflecting on his bravery and courage, and by empowering our youth that they too should always be ready to help others and most importantly this beautiful country to serve.’
Five of the six deaths were women: Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, and Yixuan Cheng, 27.
Counselors and support services have been made available to first responders who responded to several violent attacks in Sydney this week.
